If you're not well versed in the arts of "shoegaze," "twee," or "dream pop," you and I are in the same boat. Most of you have likely heard The Smiths, Ride and My Bloody Valentine, which are examples of the above genres.
However, it is doubtful you are part of the indie elite who love/love/love to drop names of obscure indie pop bands into everyday conversation. ("God the melody in this song is a straight ripoff from that one track from the B-sides of 'Cutely Ironic Love' by John Zims from Unicorn Shields before they broke up and reformed as the Pixie Kings!") And because you are not part of this indie elite, this music has no baggage, no history and best of all, you have no preconceived notions.
That being said let me review "The Pains of Being Pure at Heart" as an ignorant philistine who knows nothing of twee pop.
At any given point this album sounds like a battle between upbeat optimism and dreamy melancholic vibes fighting out for dominance, but resulting in a smooth dance between the two, creating a fantastic blend of emotions.
The best way to describe the album would be to say that if Belle and Sebastian had kids with Broken Social Scene, and they were commissioned to make a soundtrack for an 80s teen coming of age movie, they would most likely produce this album.
Standout tracks include "Come Saturday," which sounds like a swarm of bees droning in the background while a bunch of beekeepers make happy music while making honey. (That's seriously what came to mind.) Other tracks to listen to include "Young Adult Friction" and the slower yet still upbeat track "Stay Alive."
One qualm I do have though, is the name. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. Really? What a mouthful. Besides that, I will say that although this album isn't for everyone, it is definitely a good starter into the world of classic indie pop.
